PM Lee: Make the most of tech for special needs people

In a Facebook post at noon on Sunday, PM Lee said he read an article about telcos in the United States offering a text-to-911 service last week for people who cannot hear or speak to report an emergency.

I saw this piece about telcos in the US offering a Text-to-911 (like our 999) service, so that instead of calling 911, people can SMS emergency call takers (http://tcrn.ch/1vfatqR). This will be very useful to callers who can't speak or hear.

I asked if we could do the same, and was glad to learn that we are already doing so. The Singapore Police Force has the SMS 70999 Emergency Service (http://www.spf.gov.sg/sms70999/). Those with hearing and speech impairments can register for it.

We should make the most of technology to improve our lives, and especially of people with special needs. - LHL